The Japan Academy Prize was established to improve and develop the art, technology, and science of film in Japan, and its selection process is conducted by a vote of the Japan Academy Prize Association members.
This year’s nominees were selected from the films released between December 16, 2019, and December 31, 2020, in Japan.
Also, 73-year-old illustrator/manga artist Yoshikazu Yasuhiko, well-known as the original character designer of the Mobile Suit Gundam anime franchise, was selected for this year’s Special Award from the Association, which honors people who work in professions that support the field of film production.